Re: A very confused newcomer
Originally Posted by
horrormike
I have spoken different mantras, to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha, but is this a respectful thing to do? Some places I have read shun this, and say you should focus on only one mantra.
What I am basically asking is can I worship all forms equally?
Namaste Mike,
Brahman/Self is omnipresent and no form can really be omnipresent. A form, by definition, must have some delineating limits that contradicts all pervading nature of Brahman/God. But Brahman, which is indefinable, infinite, and formless takes on the form of Pragnya, again unlimited and formless but whose thoughts are various forms and names, taken up as if to aid alleviation of human misery caused through uncontrolled wandering mind. In fact, Rig Veda teaches us that heaven itself appears as Rudra (Ishwara) to teach us of Vishnu and Aditi.
Sticking to one Ishta Devata's form and one mantra is recommended by most Gurus till attainment of one-pointed concentration, which allows pivoting of the attention on unlimited/formless spiritual Pragnya (state called stithi pragnya). After that grace of God works. Sometimes, however, love for a particular form takes on a sectarian colour, which should be avoided. Most new members of HDF will benefit by reading, at least once, the Yoga sutras of Patanjali, which speaks of the role of Ishwara.
Om
Best Wishes
That which is without letters (parts) is the Fourth, beyond apprehension through ordinary means, the cessation of the phenomenal world, the auspicious and the non-dual. Thus Om is certainly the Self. He who knows thus enters the Self by the Self.
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